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The right Compute Module carrier board depends on which module you have and which connections your project needs. For broad development access, Raspberry Pi’s CM5 IO Board is the most expansive choice here; for a smaller CM5 build, consider Waveshare’s CM5-IO-BASE-B; for a compact router built around CM4, Seeed’s dual-Gigabit carrier is the focused option. A carrier is not the Compute Module itself, so check the exact package contents and build requirements before ordering.
How to choose a carrier board
A Compute Module omits many familiar board-level connectors. A carrier supplies power and routes selected module interfaces to usable connectors. Start by checking the module generation, then narrow the choice by footprint and required I/O. Raspberry Pi describes its IO boards as useful for development and prototyping; for production, it notes that a custom carrier can be designed around only the connectors a product needs (Raspberry Pi Compute Module documentation).
- Match the generation: choose a carrier documented for your CM4 or CM5. The generations share some form-factor characteristics, but that does not establish universal carrier compatibility; check the exact board documentation (Raspberry Pi documentation; CM5 datasheet).
- List the interfaces your build actually needs: broad development access, display and camera connections, storage expansion, or multiple network ports lead to different board choices.
- Check the whole build: confirm whether the module, power supply, cooling, storage, and enclosure are included or must be sourced separately. Verify M.2 drive length and interface support against the exact carrier documentation.
Compare the documented options
| Carrier | Module generation and role | Published dimensions | Notable connections and requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 IO Board (CM5IO) | CM5; broad development and integration | 160 × 90 mm (Raspberry Pi product specification) | 40-pin GPIO, Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ HAT+ support, two USB 3 sockets, microSD for CM5 Lite; documentation also lists HDMI, camera/display, PCIe M.2, RTC and fan connections (product page; documentation) |
| Waveshare CM5-IO-BASE-B | CM5 variants; compact general-purpose carrier | 85 × 56 mm (Waveshare product specification) | Gigabit Ethernet, M.2 M-key socket for 2230/2242 modules, 40-pin GPIO, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and two USB 2.0 connections, dual MIPI, HDMI outputs, microSD for Lite variants and fan support (Waveshare product page) |
| Seeed dual-Gigabit CM4 carrier | CM4; compact router or network appliance | 75 × 64 × 21 mm (Seeed documentation) | Dual Gigabit Ethernet, dual USB 3.0, USB-C 5 V/3 A input; CM4 heatsink required (Seeed documentation) |
These figures describe different board types and module generations, not a performance ranking. The listed dimensions make Seeed’s CM4 board the smallest of these three by its stated length and width, but it is a specialized networking carrier rather than a like-for-like replacement for a broad-I/O CM5 board.
Best for broad development access: Raspberry Pi CM5IO
Choose the official CM5IO when access to many interfaces matters more than minimizing the carrier footprint. Raspberry Pi positions it as a starting point for integrating CM5 into products and for industrial applications. Its 160 × 90 mm form factor leaves room for a broad connector set, including standard GPIO, Ethernet, USB, display and camera connections, and PCIe M.2 expansion. The board also has a microSD socket for CM5 Lite modules (CM5 IO Board product page; Compute Module documentation).
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- Versatile & High-Performance: Compatible with Raspberry Pi CM4/CM5 and Radxa CM3/CM5, the CmRat Carrier Board supports a wide range of compute modules—making it easy to build powerful, flexible embedded systems and custom setups with one board.
- Fast NVMe Storage Support: Connects high-performance NVMe hard drives for ultra-fast read/write speeds and reliable data storage. Ideal for edge computing, Raspberry Pi setups, and embedded applications requiring fast, efficient storage solutions.
- Runs 100’s of Different Operating Systems: Compatible with a wide range of Linux-based, real-time, and specialized OS environments.
- Ideal for everything from embedded systems to microservers. A dependable platform for developers, educators, and makers who need flexibility and performance.
- Premium ADC12 Aluminum Slimline Case: Crafted from high-quality ADC12 aluminum, the CmRat-compatible slimline case is CNC-machined and die-cast for secure housing of the PCB. Designed for optimal airflow, it ensures quiet, cool operation. Currently supplied in 2 colour combinations - (Red/Black or Orange/Siliver) - The Colour will be supplied randomly.
This is the sensible reference and prototyping choice when you want to evaluate interfaces or build around standard connectors. It is not the small-footprint pick. Raspberry Pi’s documentation says production designs may instead use a smaller custom carrier containing only the connectors required for the use case (Raspberry Pi Compute Module documentation).
Best compact CM5 option: Waveshare CM5-IO-BASE-B
Waveshare lists its CM5-IO-BASE-B at 85 × 56 mm and specifies compatibility with CM5 variants. It combines a smaller footprint with a varied connector set: Ethernet, M.2, GPIO, USB, HDMI, dual MIPI, microSD support for Lite variants, and a fan connection. The M.2 socket is specified for 2230 and 2242 modules (Waveshare product page).
Rank #2
- Compatibility: X1501 is compatible with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 CM5 and all CM5 variants; Model: X1501; Matching case is X1500-C1/X1500-C2, cooler is C519
- User Manual: Google Geekworm WiKi and search X1501 to visit the user guide
- Function: Support Dual M.2 NVMe SSD, with Dual Ethernet Ports 1GbE and 2.5GbE, USB2.0 + USB3.0 ports, Dual Hdmi 2.0 Ports, Dual MIPI DSI/CSI-2 Connectors, RTC, PWM Fan connector and convenient power button
- How to Power: 5.1Vdc +/-5% 5A power via USB-C port of X1501; Please use high quality power supply capable of delivering 5.1V at 5A output, an incompatible power supply with a lower output voltage may fail to power on the system
- Extra Needed to Prepare: Raspberrry Pi CM5, high quality Power Adapter, M.2 NVMe SSD, micro-SD card(≥16GB), Case, CM5 heatsink etc
This board is a candidate when a CM5 build needs more than a narrowly focused carrier but cannot accommodate the official IO board. Treat the feature list as vendor-published specifications, not independent performance or thermal testing. Before committing to an enclosure or expansion card, check the exact board revision, package contents, M.2 device compatibility, power input, and cooling details on the current product documentation.
Best for a compact CM4 router: Seeed dual-Gigabit carrier
For a network appliance that specifically needs two Ethernet ports, Seeed’s compact CM4 carrier is the most targeted option in this comparison. Seeed describes it for soft-router applications and lists dimensions of 75 × 64 × 21 mm, dual Gigabit Ethernet, dual USB 3.0, and USB-C 5 V/3 A power input. Its documentation says a CM4 heatsink is required (Seeed documentation).
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- suitable for evaluating the Raspberry Pi CM5 or being integrated into end products
- standard CM5 socket and Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO header suitable for all variants of Compute Module 5
- providing both network connection and power supply for your Raspberry Pi in one cable
- Faster reading/writing speed compared to the TF card slot of Raspberry Pi, greatly improving reading/writing efficiency of the system or files, support booting Raspberry Pi from NVMe Solid State Drive
- onboard connectors including MIPI / M.2 / HDMI / USB / ETH / TF Card Slot
Pick it for a CM4 project whose networking needs match that port layout; do not treat it as a general CM5 alternative. The documented power and heatsink requirements are part of the build, not optional details to leave until the enclosure is designed.
Will a CM5 work on a CM4 carrier?
Do not assume so from physical resemblance. Raspberry Pi notes differences between CM4 and CM5, and the relevant carrier documentation must explicitly support the module and the functions you plan to use. A board marketed for CM4, such as Seeed’s networking carrier, should be selected for a CM4 build unless its manufacturer documents otherwise. Likewise, confirm any generation-specific limitations rather than inferring full functionality from connector fit (Raspberry Pi documentation; CM5 datasheet).
Rank #4
- Compatibility: X1500 is compatible with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 CM5 and all CM5 variants; Model: X1500; Matching case is X1500-C1/X1500-C2, cooler is C519
- User Manual: Google Geekworm WiKi and search X1500 to visit the user guide
- Function: Support Dual M.2 NVMe SSD, with 1GbE Ethernet Ports, Dual USB 3.0 Ports, Dual Hdmi 2.0 Ports, Dual MIPI DSI/CSI-2 Connectors, RTC, PWM Fan connector and convenient power button
- How to Power: 5.1Vdc +/-5% 5A power via USB-C port of X1500; Please use high quality power supply capable of delivering 5.1V at 5A output, an incompatible power supply with a lower output voltage may fail to power on the system
- Extra Needed to Prepare: Raspberrry Pi CM5, high quality Power Adapter, M.2 NVMe SSD, micro-SD card(≥16GB), Case, CM5 heatsink etc
Does the carrier include the Compute Module?
Not necessarily. The carrier board and Compute Module are separate product categories, and the cited product specifications do not establish that a module is bundled with any of these boards. Read the exact SKU’s package-contents list; also check the module’s memory/storage variant, since features such as microSD support are specified for Lite variants on the CM5IO and Waveshare boards.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Mini base board designed for Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, suitable for evaluating the raspberry pi CM4 or being integrated into end products
- Compared with version B, there're NO RTC, Fan controller, and battery holder on version A, which is more cost effective
- Standard Raspberry Pi CM4 socket and color-coded Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO header, suitable for Compute Module 4 Lite/EMMC series module
- Onboard multiple connectors including: CSI/DSI/FAN/HDMI/USB/RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet/Micro SD Card Slot/M.2 Slot
- Comes with mounting screw, easy to install. When using the M.2 interface, please use the matching screws.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
